Jal Yatra Festival

Overview

The Jal Yatra festival is a month-long annual celebration that begins on the auspicious day of Purnima (the full moon day) in the month of Jyestha. 

Summers in India are harsh, and the Jal Yatra festival is celebrated in the temples of Vrindavan to offer Sri Radha Krishna some relief and coolness to protect them from the extreme heat. Jal Yatra of Sri Radha Raman Ji, Sri Radha Vallabh Ji, Sri Radha Shyamsundar Ji, Sri Radha Gopinath Ji, Sri Radha Damodara Ji and Sri Radha Govind Dev Ji temples is the most awaited festival amongst the devotees.

About Jal Yatra

Jal Yatra is an age-old tradition in temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, especially in the Braj region. The day commences with the ceremonial bathing of the deities of Lord Krishna and Srimati Radharani.

Deities are placed for darshan in a special place where fountains are installed on the altar, which sprinkles cool and refreshing scented water of the sacred Yamuna river, on the Lord. The devotees, too, can partake in this unique experience of sprinkling fragrant water on the deities. The water of Jal Vihar or Jal Yatra contains the essence of camphor, sandalwood, and khas. This is celebrated in conjunction with the popular customs of Phul Bangala and Chandan Yatra, all for the pleasure of the Lord. 

In the popular Sri Radharaman Temple of Vrindavan, the celebration of summer festivities is very special. In the afternoon, all the Shaligram Shilas are made to sleep in the cold water, popularly known as jal shyan. During this month, He is surrounded by curtains of vetiver, a perennial grass. He enjoys the shower before His devotees after Utsav Aarti until the Sandhya Aarti Snandarshan ends. 

During these summer festivities, the deities are anointed with chandan (sandalwood) paste and adorned with jasmine flowers and summer clothes that include a cotton dhoti (unstitched lower garment).  Lord is also offered special summer fruits like mango, watermelon, muskmelon, and litchi, as well as special summer drinks made from gulab and khas-khas, all symbolising the joy and abundance of the season. 

Jal Yatra offers a unique perspective into the heart of Vrindavan and represents the purest form of love between the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His devotees. It also serves as a reminder of the playful and loving nature of the Lord Krishna, encouraging devotees to embrace simplicity, happiness and devotion.